Fund-raising gig at The Wilkes Head in Leek to help replace buskers's guitars which have been found dumped in a river

MUSICIANS are banding together to help raise cash to replace stolen guitars belonging to two popular buskers.

A gig is being staged at The Wilkes Head in St Edward's Street, Leek tomorrow (Saturday, April 26) in a bid to raise enough to replace the music gear which has now been found dumped in a river.

Melv Baker and Anthony Pascal (aka Melv and Bones), who are often seen entertaining shoppers in Leek town centre, had their music gear stolen last Saturday, after they performed at Leek's town centre Easter celebrations.

The duo had left their three guitars, harmonicas, and other music gear in Melv's car at the back of The Black Swan in Sheepmarket but later discovered the car had been stolen.

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Police, later that day, found Melv's car at Deep Hayes Country Park, minus its contents.

The music gear has now been found, by a fellow musician who lives in Cheddleton, in the River Churnet in Cheddleton.

Melv said: "They were found on Tuesday night in the river in Cheddleton. Everything is ruined.

"We are both gutted about our stuff but everyone has been amazing, from the response of everyone on facebook (80 shares in 24 hours) to many offers of help from local musicians who have loaned us instruments and pa so that we can carry on playing the gigs we are booked for.

"And then there's the gig tomorrow which is being organised just to benefit me and Bones - it's brilliant.

"To be honest we are a bit overwhelmed by the support we have had. We would like to thank everyone for their generosity and kindness."

The gig, which will be staged in a marquee in the beer garden of The Wilkes Head from 8pm tomorrow (Saturday, April 26), will include performances by a number of local musicians, including Melv and Bones themselves.

It will be admission by donation with all proceeds going to replacing Melv and Bones' music gear.